HEALINGHANDS

Meet the spiritual healer who believes the universe may hold the answers

Even the most cynical among us may have found themselves questioning life in recent months, or looking for a sign that all will be well.

Could the universe perhaps give a gentle nod that things will get better, a hint as to how we move forward?

Well, the signs are very much there, if only you know where to look. We all have the ability to be guided by the universe, at least according to Avril Richer.

The former hat maker turned master spiritual healer believes her calling is more important than ever following the pandemic.

From helping people overcome depression to addiction, Avril thinks the universe is the way forward – or, rather, the energy which it can offer, when you are open to receiving it.

If you think this all sounds a bit hocus pocus, fear not because Avril is used to criticism.

She currently offers virtual healing sessions from her gorgeous home in Rothienorman, where she can normally be found pottering around the garden.

Avril’s services are very much in demand, with people getting in touch from all over the world in the hope of making a change.

“I’ve heard it all before, some people have even accused my work of being a scam,” said Avril.

“You get used to it. I just calmly explain to people what I do and even invite them to experience it for themselves.”

Avril was previously well known for her impressive millinery skills.

She soothed many an anxious mother of the bride from her shop in Aberdeen’s Rosemount area, and solved endless hat disasters.

But having trained to become a healer while running the shop, Avril realised she couldn’t do both.

“I made hats, designed them and altered anything that you can put on your head,” she said.

“I absolutely loved it, but I also trained to become a healer.

“It slowly dawned on me that I couldn’t give healing much attention, because the shop was just so busy.

“Healing was what I truly wanted to do, so I closed my doors in 2016.”

But what exactly is healing, and how does it work?

Avril believes it differs from person to person, with one vital ingredient. “You have to believe in it,” she said.

“Healing means I tap into energy and channel it to the person. You have to be open